Anxiety?

[tori7890]

A few days ago I got into an argument with a teacher at my school. Usualy when I argue or fight with someone not in my family or whom im not comfortable with my hands with shake, but not only in that situation in almost all uncomfortable situations my hands shake substantially. Its really embarrassing to me so of coarse im worrying that people will be watching me and that causes it to get worse and spread through a lot of my body. I need to be able to control this, I want to be an actress but this is most definantly a huge problem if I cant get in front of people without my whole body shaking. Im trying really hard to control myself but nothing so far has worked so now here I am looking to the medical community for help. Is this anxiety? How can I stop it, preferably without medication but im getting desperate I dont want my nervousness or anxiety to control my life like this. I haven't really talked to anyone about this before im not sure what to do.

[tori7890]

Thanks for the comments. Im working on it now but the shaking is quite severe so its going to take a while I have a feeling. I think im going to start karate to try and get out all the emotions ive held in this year, im not very good at expressing myself so maybe thats a factor.... Anyway thanks i'll keep you guys updated, hopefully this year i'll start exploring the film industry as extras in movies and see where it goes from there :D

[nursegirl6572]

Amen...AJW said it perfectly.  If you feel you want to try to work on this yourself first...then do like AJ said....b/c every accomplishment gives you that much more confidence.  If you can, maybe start smaller...like in front of a small group of friends or family?  Then, work your way up to the bigger stuff.

Relaxation exercises and meditation/relaxation CD's are sworn by by a lot of people in your type of situation.  I'm sure it will take some practice...but it will start to improve slowly but surely.  Remember too...that I'm not sure there are too many people out there that do not have SOME sort of mild performance anxiety....for presentations, talking to a group, performing, etc etc.  It's a pretty normal reaction.

If you start finding that you're trying and just not having any luck...or it is worsening....you can talk to your doctor about trying something like a beta blocker.  One of the more commonly prescribed beta blockers for this sort of thing is Inderal.  

Just something to keep in mind...I know you prefer not to go the med route, which is fine...a lot of people are able to work on this kind of thing themselves.  Like AJ said...practice makes perfect.

Let us know how it is going!  Good luck!

[AJWS6]

It's normal for many people to have shaking hands, body vibrations, bp rise, etc... triggered by an argument or being upset.  It's the bodies way of releasing negative energy.  

Body shaking is also another normal reaction for a person in uncomfortable situations, such as someone giving a speech for the first time, to a large crowd.  

I am a musical performer and have experienced what you are sharing, especially the first time I began performing drum solo's on stage.  You cannot stop the feeling, but you can work through them, and the best way to do it, is start with small performances and work you way up.  Some people have a natural ability to peform in front of others, but some of us have to work at it.  

What I've learned is practice builds confidence, if you are not comfortable with your performance, then you will naturally become nervous.  Focusing on your performance will take the edge off, how other's may see you.  Also what works is, interact with the crowd as if they are performing with you, rather then watching you.  Good luck in your acting career.